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China Cuts U.S. Treasury Holdings to Lowest Since 2008

4/16/2026

Summary

Story summary

China reduced its U.S. Treasury holdings to $693.3 billion in February 2026 from $694.4 billion in January 2026, per the U.S. Treasury Department, the lowest since 2008.
Despite China’s divestment, total foreign holdings of U.S. Treasuries rose to a record $9.49 trillion.
Janet Henry, HSBC's global chief economist, said the de-dollarisation narrative may be overstated, noting the U.S. dollar remains dominant and there are still buyers for U.S. Treasuries.

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Story summary

China reduced its U.S. Treasury holdings to $693.3 billion in February 2026 from $694.4 billion in January 2026, per the U.S. Treasury Department, the lowest since 2008.
Despite China’s divestment, total foreign holdings of U.S. Treasuries rose to a record $9.49 trillion.
Janet Henry, HSBC's global chief economist, said the de-dollarisation narrative may be overstated, noting the U.S. dollar remains dominant and there are still buyers for U.S. Treasuries.